…
…
Orihime was having a good day.
Well, until she made it to the grocery store.
It had been exactly a year since she had met Kurosaki Ichigo. And she couldn't enjoy her life more than she was. When he had offered for her to stay at his place, of course, she had blushed and flailed in public, stuttering his name repeatedly. He had stared down at her blatantly with his chocolate eyes, and then gave that lopsided smile she loved so very much. There wasn't much she could do to put up a protest. She'd informed Tatsuki-chan the exact day he had asked, and she had put up a fuss while Rangiku-chan had called her "you sly girl~" and then patted her on the back. For their house warming present, Rangiku had delivered fresh cucumbers with saucy smirk, which Orihime had squealed happily, and Ichigo had swelled up like a tiger with a blushing face. Exactly a year, and she wanted to have a anniversary dinner, just the two of them.
So as they walked together, side-by-side, in the grocery store, she dug into the meats and held the pork up to her face, frowning a bit. Ichigo watched her, keeping a firm grip on her tiny hand. Orihime knew he wouldn't let it go for his life. And she flushed at the thought. Swallowing heavily, she examined the package.
"Ne, y-you don't like pork, Kurosaki-kun, right?" She murmured, almost to herself. He casted her a heavy glance and grimaced, taking the food from her.
"You know I'll eat anything you cook," he replied in a quiet, gruff tone. And she knew that was true. He definitely would. Every time she cooked, he would indulge himself in her odd creations and wouldn't make a fuss. She would reward him with a sweet kiss and rub his aching belly, which she secretly loved because he always took his shirt off for it.
With that thought, she blushingly threw the pork in the cart, and smiled brilliantly up at him. He allowed his own lips to curve upward in a small, handsome smirk she loved very much. She placed her free hand on the cart and pushed it forward, tugging him along with her as she searched for the turkey.
"I love you, Orihime." He whispered, very close to her ear.
She gasped, and jerked straight, whirling around to face him, only for him to catch her lips in a passionate kiss that threw her off. His free hand rubbed down her very short hair, his lips smiling when she returned his kiss eagerly, making a little, feminine noise in the back of her throat. When he parted from her, he brushed the bangs from her face, repositioned her clips in her hair, and dragged his thumb over her bottom, damp lip.
She flushed heatedly under his gaze, and murmured, "K-Kurosaki…kun…I love you, too."
"Good," he whispered against her cheek, nuzzling the thick braid she had tied into her bright hair.
"Inoue-san?"
She jerked upright once again, her eyes growing wider when she heard her name from somewhere behind her. Ichigo stepped back, reluctantly, and watched as his girlfriend turned to the occupant of the voice. And he was rather stunned as she squealed happily, "Ishida-kun~!"
He watched as she hurried across the aisle and greeted the spectacled man. She stopped in front of him with a big grin, brushing away her amber bangs from her pale face. Ishida smiled gently down at his classmate. "Ohayo, Inoue-san."
"O-Ohayo…but it's closer to the afternoon, I guess," Smiling softly, she clasped her hands in front of her after smoothing down her dress, "How are you doing?" Ichigo left the cart as it was and slowly walked towards the two. Pausing a few inches from Orihime, he resisted the urge to wrap his arms around her waist and tug her towards him. Automatically, he didn't like the guy, nor did he appreciate the looks he was casting his girlfriend.
"I'm just fine. Thank you. I've decided to take up my father's outlook and I am starting the intern job at his hospital." The young man chuckled, and a pink color wafted into his cheeks. Ichigo bit back his scoff, his features darkening over as Orihime giggled along with him.
"I remember you telling me about that! That's great! We should celebrate!"
Ishida's forehead blued, "Erm…the last time we celebrated, Rangiku-san was very…" He trailed off, but she didn't miss the massive flush that ran over his face.
She smiled a bit, "Don't worry. It'll just be the two of us."
Ichigo's eyes narrowed.
Ishida smiled gently, placing a hand on the girl's delicate shoulder, "I'd like that." He paused for a second, "You know, Yoruichi misses you."
He's touching her.
Her innocent eyes popped wide, "Y-Your cat?" She gasped, "Oh! I haven't seen her in forever! I'll have t-to come over some time and see her, ne? Is she still scratching up your couches?"
Ishida laughed gently, "Of course. And she misses you very much. She still curls up with your shoes."
Ichigo's eyebrow twitched.
"Ah!" Orihime gave a sharp intake of breath, pressing a hand against her forehead, "I completely forgot I left those sandals over your house! G-Gomen ne!"
She was over his house…, Ichigo thought darkly.
He waved his free hand at her, "It's fine. I doubt you can fit them anymore. It's been so long. She'll probably hate if I take them anyway."
She giggled a bit and beamed, "Y-Yes! I'm sure she would!"
A throat cleared behind them roughly.
Orihime's eyes snapped wide on her pretty face.
Oh.
"K-Kurosaki-kun!" She exclaimed, jolting a bit in her skin. She had completely forgotten he was there. It was very easy to get caught up with Ishida-kun; he was an easy person to talk to, after all. Turning back to her friend, she smiled again, "Ishida-kun, this is my b-boyfriend, Kurosaki Ichigo."
Her classmate blinked at the taller man and then smiled politely, "I've heard many things about you." He stuck out his hand, palm open with invitation. Ichigo stared down at it in clear disdain, and didn't utter a word, his firm lips in a familiar scowl. The seconds ticked by as both the friends waited for Ichigo to take the offer. After a few moments, Ishida sweat-dropped and dropped his arm to his side, smiling awkwardly.
Orihime tried to giggle a bit, though the air was tense, and it didn't seem her cheerful mood would brighten it. She then turned back to her comrade and grinned, "Well, it was nice seeing you, Ishida-kun. Sorry about Kurosaki-kun. He's just grumpy because I woke him up early."
Ichigo glowered down at the man, emitting a dark, dark aura.
Ishida nodded, and remained staring at Orihime for a few seconds before he raised a hand, "I should get going. Bye, Inoue-san," And he turned back towards Ichigo, "G-Goodbye, Kurosaki-san."
Ichigo didn't reply.
And they both watched as he walked off.
…
…
Ichigo walked behind her. He liked to walk behind her. He made sure no one stared at her too long, and the view wasn't bad. Right now, it was a difference in their walking. Her pace was steady and fast, and he could see her brightening aura darken tremendously. He knew his girlfriend wasn't stupid, and she knew what he was trying to do. He and Orihime hadn't ever gotten into an argument before, ever, so this was new to Ichigo, and he wasn't sure what to say to make his woman happy again. She was usually happy all the damn time.
He went to grab her, to ask if she needed help carrying the bags that she'd refused to hand to him. Instantly, when he touched her, she retracted as if she had been burned. Ichigo scowled as she finally faced him. Her face was a light shade of pink, but her eyelids were low, narrowed, and her eyelashes were thick over her gaze. She looked mad. He didn't think that she was able to pull off such a look.
"You're mean, Kurosaki-kun," She muttered.
He reached for her again, and she shook her head, "Dammit, Orihime, just listen to me."
"That was very rude. Ishida-kun is my friend." She said, her voice tight and scolding.
He wanted to grab her delicate shoulders and shake some sense into her, "He was eye-fucking you. And you just let him."
Orihime visibly bristled, "He was not! Ishida-kun is a very good friend and he helps me in class and used to walk me home and—"
"That just pisses me off more," Ichigo growled, balling his hands into tight fists. The thought of her with any other guy was revolting. If Shinji wasn't his friend and Grimmjow his cousin, he would've probably beat both to a pulp by now from how they were all over his girlfriend whenever she was near. Her accepting it and refusing to fight just made it worse. "His eyes were all over you! I should've clobbered him while I was there."
She gasped at his violent demeanor, "I can't believe you, Kurosaki-kun. You weren't acting this way when you met Tatsuki-chan and Rangiku-chan…"
"They're girls!" He nearly shouted. She was frustrating him; more than he thought his little Orihime was capable of. He wanted to pull his hair out and then kiss her senseless just to make them both shut up.
"You're behaving like…like…!" Orihime wasn't good with offensive vocabulary, but she was trying. "Like…like a…like a jerk!" Instantly, when she said it, her cheeks blossomed a deeper shade of red, "A really big jerk!"
"And you're acting like a child! It's like you can't see when guys stare at you! How do you think it makes me feel every day when I watch them stare at you?" He hissed back, walking closer to her now. They were both chest to chest now (Orihime chest-to-face since she was so short) and both seething. It was an exquisite sight to see Inoue Orihime angry, especially with her boyfriend.
"Maybe…" She breathed, "Maybe this anniversary was a mistake. You're so frustrating some times, Kurosaki-kun! It's like you're my shadow. I can't stand it! I'm going to lunch."
"Fine!"
"Fine!"
She turned on her heel and stalked away. Of course, he followed her.
…
…
They sat across from each other.
And refused to look at the other's face.
Orihime was still a deep shade of pink and she didn't pick up the menu. Ichigo, on the other hand, flipped through the thin booklet so he wouldn't have to look into her wide, silver eyes. They had stopped at a café together, and both had sat down simultaneously, looked at each other, and then glanced away quickly with furious huffs. Ichigo didn't want to make up at the moment, nor did he want to hear her argument. Orihime didn't want to hear his cause either, and she was fairly pissed off, as Tatsuki-chan would put it.
The heat of the summer made sweat drip onto Ichigo's forehead, since they had chosen a small, round table outside. There weren't many other couples out in the sun, nor families, but Ichigo was able to catch some of the amusing conversations. Finally, their waiter came, and he wasted no time staring at Orihime's nestled bosom.
Ichigo wanted to face palm, specifically, the waiter's face. His jaw clenched as the worker leaned towards Orihime, asking what she wanted to order. Ichigo said the first thing he saw on the menu, "She'll have the omelet and ice tea. Water for me. Thanks." The man stood straight, wrote it down, and walked away, throwing Orihime one more lingering look at her curvy body.
It was at least ten minutes before either spoke.
"I-I didn't want that," Orihime murmured, her eyes narrowed.
"It doesn't matter. There you go again allowing men to ogle you."
"Stop saying that! He was not! He was taking my order."
"Are you really that oblivious?"
Orihime's eyes widened, "What's that supposed to mean? Are you calling me stupid?"
Ichigo opened his mouth to deny it, but her food swept down in front of his face, blocking his words. The steaming, yellow eggs were placed down on the table, and Ichigo's water was slid towards him. He nearly growled at the waiter, who smiled unnecessarily. Orihime lifted her fork and dug into the omelet, raising the first scoop to her pink lips.
"Why won't you listen to me? I thought you said Ishida was just a friend."
"He is," She protested through a mouth-full.
"I don't like him. And I don't like what you wear. It shows your knees," Her dress was a pretty lavender and spaghetti-strapped, a white bow around her waist, and tight against her curves. The bottom a pencil skirt, and her cleavage spilling. He had protested her from wearing it, but she had responded, 'It's a gift from Rangiku-chan. She'll be upset if I didn't wear it sometime, ne?'. And he didn't put up any further argument. Well, until now.
"I like this dress. It's…" She trailed off, her face turning a deep shade of red.
Ichigo looked away, and scowled, "I told you not to wear it. Now everyone's staring at you like your meat. It's fucking frustrating." When she didn't reply, he sighed, "Do you have to be so stubborn? I'm just trying to…" He paused when he heard her heated pants. "Orihime…?"
…No.
When he turned back to glance at her, she was almost purple. He glanced from her face, to her plate, and saw the green slits of peppers.
"I'm allergic to green peppers. I can hardly breathe when I eat them. Eh heh…"
"O-Orihime!" He nearly cried, springing from his seat to hurry towards her. She gave a choked reply, before she slumped backwards. Her head would've hit the ground if he hadn't scooped her up. The red-purple was traveling from her face, down to her creamy neck and her body was going limp. His heart was going into a frenzy, slamming against his ribs and his chest felt like it might split at any moment.
This is just like last time…
When he'd lost his mother, he felt so fucking useless. He could already feel his body begin the process. He would break down. He truly would. Without Orihime…
A small crowd swarmed around the two.
"Sir? Is she alright?"
"I'll call an ambulance!"
"Help! This woman needs help!"
Hoisting her against her chest, Ichigo tried to remain upright. No time. Turning on his old sneakers, he ran. In Karakura, taxis barely stopped, and the ambulance would take too long. She would be gone by then. Air and time whipped past them as he hurried through the streets, his long legs taking him farther and farther away from the café. He ran into the street, narrowly getting hit by a green car in the process, and jumped onto the hood at the last second, holding Orihime to his chest protectively.
He made it to the lake, and pushed past people as the sun beamed high in the sky. Her floral smell wafted into his nose, and he heard the little whimpers she made, and they slowly began to fade. He held her closer, burying his nose into her soft, short hair, inhaling her beautiful aroma. She felt cold, too cold for normally.
And then he saw it.
The hospital.
"Thank fucking God," he hissed hotly into her temple, dodging cars in the street, who beeped stridently, passengers yelling at him. The glass doors slid open for him, almost like heaven, and he'd never thought he would ever enjoy being at the hospital.
The nurse at the counter looked up when she heard the loud panting. She was surprised to see a tall man sweating bullets holding a small woman in his arms. Instantly, she grabbed the phone, yelled the code, and the lobby was bustling.
When the two doctors came forward, and attempted to take her, Ichigo had a difficult time letting go, "No…No…she's…" When they finally freed her from his grip, she was laid on the gurney, her body completely still, her face turning a deep purple, blue, and crimson. "She's…allergic to green peppers."
A doctor tilted his head down to her mouth, "She's not breathing!"
"Cardiac arrest?" Another asked, already pumping his hands on her chest.
"Not sure. We need to move her to the emergency room." They wheeled her bed down towards the end of the hall, nurses staying back to keep Ichigo away.
"What the hell do you mean I can't go with her?" He shouted, startling the women and men, "She's my fucking girlfriend!"
He turned his head towards the doors flapping behind Orihime.
"I'm sorry!" He yelled, as loud as he could before he felt a sharp prick in his arm.
The world started to twist and turn.
"I'm sorry, Orihime!"
It darkened.
"If…I had only…"
And then it was gone.
…
…
Tatsuki hurried through the doors of the hospital, her eyes wide and searching.
"Wait up, Tatsuki-chan!" Rangiku called behind her, waving a slim hand over her strawberry blonde head. The darkness of the night had wafted around the town, and rain made both the friends soaking wet.
Tatsuki ignored her, rushing towards the lobby, the room quiet and pale and sickening. Orihime didn't get hurt. No matter how many times she fell or walked into a pole, she would never get hurt or sick.
She was always fine.
Always fine.
Her dark eyes spotted the hunched over man. His hands were in between his knees, and his head was bowed low, his hair falling into his dark eyes. Almost immediately, she hurried over to him, sitting in the waiting room, and she plopped down next to him, grabbing onto his dark jacket.
"Ichigo!" She shook him, her eyes burning viciously, "Ichigo!" He didn't reply, "Idiot, listen to me! Is she…is she…!" Rangiku came to a stop in front of the two, panting heavily as she stooped over, bracing her hands against her knees.
"Is Orihime okay?" She asked softly, gasping for air, looking between Ichigo and her friend.
Tatsuki's eyes filled up, "Please…Ichigo…"
"I don't know," said the gruff voice, "They haven't told me anything. She…" He swallowed thickly, "She wasn't breathing…"
They both went ramrod, eyes widening out of their heads.
His fist struck the wall. Hard. The nurse in the other room jumped.
"If only I had…"
…
…
The doctor flipped through the papers attached to his clipboard. Behind his glasses, he looked at the sleeping young adults. One was blonde, resting against the wall, her long legs propped up. The spiky dark haired girl was beside her, leaning heavily on the girl. The last was pacing, a tall man with peculiar hair.
"Kurosaki…Ichigo?" The doctor called quietly.
Instantly, Ichigo's brown eyes snapped up.
"I'm Doctor Ryuken. Inoue-san's doctor." Ichigo bristled at her name, his shoulders hunching inwards. Ryuken moved forward, checking through his papers once more, keeping his eyes from Ichigo's. He didn't like his stare. It wasn't just sadness. "Inoue Orihime is quite the fighter," he mused.
Ichigo's back went straight, "Y-You mean…?"
"Yes," the pale man nodded, "She's fine. She gave us a scare though."
Ichigo let relief swallow him. His legs gave and he found himself crouching on the ground, leaning his forehead against his hands. The air gusted back into his lungs, and his heart hammered strongly.
"She did stop breathing though, and her heart was very weak. If you'd taken the car, or waited for the ambulance, she would've been dead." He clapped a hand on the man's shoulder, and offered a gentle smile, "You did well."
…
…
"Is she alright?"
"Rukia, she's fine."
"What did you do? Did you hit her?"
"Nel!"
"Well, did you?"
"Did she wake up yet?"
"No, Renji."
"My poor Orihime-chan! My first love…"
"Shut the hell up!"
"Can we visit?"
"Nii-san…"
"Can we visit?"
"Y-Yeah, sure, Byakuya."
"I will make preparations."
"Wow. I didn't know Byakuya actually liked her."
"Shinji, shut the hell up!"
"I'll…I'll come too…"
"Grimmjow…"
"SHUT THE HELL UP! I just don't want Princess dying on us! IF SHE DIES, NO SEX FOR STRAWBERRY!"
"Grimmjow!"
"OW! Mom!"
"We'll be there."
"Thanks, Rukia."
"No problem. You should go see her now. We'll talk to you later."
Dial tone.
…
…
Flowers.
She deserved them.
They were everywhere. Ichigo guessed Byakuya really did like Orihime. Roses were dotted everywhere, dozens and dozens. Chappy teddy bears were the second most; they were piled high to the ceiling, along with cards and presents, and candies. He was glad to have friends as his; they truly loved Orihime.
It had been four days since the incident. She didn't wake up, and all he wanted to do was kiss her. He did when the doctors and nurses left, and it was completely one-sided and way too long, but he was content with just that. Rangiku and Tatsuki stopped by twice each day, and Tatsuki yelled at him for at least an hour to not molest her best friend. He didn't mind, because he knew she was happy to still have Orihime, and she thanked him after for saving her life.
He watched her.
Every day.
He stayed every day. He left only to bathe, relieve himself, and eat, but for no other reason. He stayed by her side. And he would until she woke.
He never liked when she slept. Her pale skin and rosy lips and bright hair. As someone as bright as her she should seem alive, all the time, but she she didn't tense or turn over. She slept like a log; she didn't move, and her chest didn't appear as if it were moving. So, while she was in the hospital, attached to tubes and machines, he watched her with great attention. She was still, and so very lovely. It was funny how Orihime could make this appear beautiful. He scowled and slid his chocolate eyes shut, watching as her eyelids remained shut, and her lips part ever so slightly. He wanted to hear her laughter, and her dreams about aliens, and her dramatic, overdone stories of her day.
And he wanted to hear,
Kurosaki-kun!
Kurosaki-kun…
Kurosaki-kuuun!
Even after a year of dating, she still called him by his surname. He didn't care. There were special moments, when his lips met hers, and their eyes connected, and her hands would clench into his shirt, or scrape down his naked chest, and her breath would pant from her pink lips, and he would lick her skin so she could breathe,
"Ichigo…"
His eyes snapped open and instantly found hers, ashen gray and wide and confused, rosy lips parted, tiny nose scrunching against her pretty face as her long eyelashes batted. Instantly, her body became alive; her hands squeezed, and her toes wiggled, and her stomach gurgled loudly.
"Ichigo." She repeated, attempting to sit up now, her eyes eating up at her environment.
And he was out of his seat, and his lips were on hers.
She gasped instantly, and he took claim of her mouth, sliding his tongue into her wet, sweet mouth. His hands clamped onto her short hair, the hair he loved so much, and tangled in the little strands, pulling her closer. She kissed him back, albeit softly and wondering, and he tried to kiss her thoroughly, yet slowly, savoring her taste, and then his hands loosened, and he released her lips, biting into the plush bottom one for one more sampling flavor.
Orihime clasped her tiny hands over his and smiled softly, lovingly, blushingly, as her eyes sparkled and held his. He helped her sit up, and laced his fingers with hers, dropping them to her lap when she'd threw her legs over the side of the bed. Her small feet didn't touch the ground, and he opened her creamy, soft thighs so he could nestle between them.
"I missed you," Orihime whispered as he dropped his head to rest his forehead against her collarbone. Inhaling her delirious scent, he tightened his fingers around hers. She buried her nose into his soft hair and smiled again.
"Damn. I was way beyond missing you, Orihime," He murmured in a gruff voice. "I'm sorry. I'm so fucking sorry. I should've checked the ingredients, I should've read the menu better. If I hadn't been so pissed…and stupid…If only I had…"
She smiled again, and kissed his cheek, "I'm fine now, ne?"
"I love you," he tightened his hand around her small one, "I love you. I love you. I love y—" And she silenced him with another kiss.
The door opened.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Looks like Princess is awake."
"Eeep!"
"W-What the hell, Grimmjow? Get the fuck out!"
"THAT'S FIGHTING WORDS, DIPSHIT!"
Red hair pulled back and big violet eyes.
"WOULD YOU TWO SHUT THE HELL UP! YOU'RE IN THE HOSPITAL!"
"YEAH! HAVE SOME RESPECT!"
Nel frowned as she stepped behind them, along with Byakuya, "Interesting statement when you're the two making the most noise."
"Ohayo, Orihime-chaaaan~!"
"S-Shinji-kun!"
"Oi! Get away from her, you bastard!"
"But, Ichi~! She's my first love!"
"I-I am…?"
"OF COURSE YOU'RE NOT!"
"Don't holler at her, stupid!" Rukia yelled, "She just woke up from a near-death experience!"
"YEAH! USE YOUR HEAD!"
Whack!
"Mooom…wait! You're not my mom! Who the hell are you?"
"SHUT UP, IDIOT RETARDED ASSHOLE!"
"T-Tatsuki-chan!"
"Orihime, you're awake!"
"H-Hai!"
"I brought fresh cucumbers~!"
"For what?"
"R-Rangiku-chan! You came! And you brought cucumbers! You can show everyone your trick now!"
"DAMMIT! Stop putting that dirty shit in her head!"
"Inoue-san."
"Ishida-kun! This is your father's hospital? Wow…"
Ichigo tried to stop his fists from clenching. His jealously had landed her in the hospital. Instead, he stuck out his hand for the man and turned his face away, "I'm Kurosaki Ichigo."
Ishida seemed surprised as he clasped his hand with his, "Ishida Uryu."
"AAAAWWW!" Grimmjow shouted, startling everyone.
"SHUT THE HELL UP, RETARD!"
"Meh…"
"S-Sado-kun! I didn't see you there."
"I brought a teddy bear."
"Arigato." Orihime took the brown stuffed animal.
"ICHIGGGGOOOO~!"
"Dammit, Keigo!" Instantly, the brunette was on the ground. "You're too much like my dad."
"Is that a bad thing?"
"YES!"
"ICHIGGGGOOOO~!"
"DAMMIT, OLD MAN!"
"Onii-chan!"
"Ichi-nii!"
"Oi! Don't wrestle in the hospital, you idiots!"
"Tatsuki!"
Suddenly, beautiful laughter caused them all to look over at Orihime. She tried to smother the giggles, pressing her small hand over her mouth.
"S-Sorry," she chortled, "I-It's just…" She wiped away the tears from her wide, silver gaze, "I'm just really happy…"
Ichigo smiled from his father's headlock. Finally, he managed to wiggle from his old man, and threw the crazy father over his shoulder before addressing his girlfriend.
"I'll make it up to you," he said, clear happiness and relief in his voice as his friends argued around him, "I'll take you out for ice cream."
Orihime's ashen eyes widened, glowing, "R-Really?" And her slim fingers slipped up to her breathing tubes sticking from her tiny nostrils, and…
Even Byakuya's eyes widened.
And they all yelled out,
"DON'T PULL OUT THE WIRES!"
…
…
Hope you liked it. Many of the reviews said to continue. I just wanted to add a few drabbles of their relationship. This may be the last or just the first. I'm not sure yet. If I get another idea, I'll update. Tell me what you think. Is anyone else having trouble to adapting to fanfiction's new style? Or is it just me?
And I would say Orihime's hair is just like Haruhi's from Ouran Host Club. I always loved her hair and wanted to try something new with Inoue.
-Star